By Nimfa Estrellado Mulanay Mayor Aristotle L. Aguirre (Photo screengrab from Aangat Aasenso Morning Update) MULANAY, Quezon – The resid...
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| Mulanay Mayor Aristotle L. Aguirre (Photo screengrab from Aangat Aasenso Morning Update) |
MULANAY, Quezon – The residents of Mulanay are facing a challenging situation: two unfinished municipal hall buildings stand as reminders of questionable decisions made under the previous administration. However, instead of being discouraged, the community is united in its demand for transparency and accountability.
The structures, a stark concrete skeleton on a hilltop and a half-finished, roofless abandoned near the town center, were both initiated under former mayor of the town without proper legal procedures or public consultation. This has raised concerns about the responsible use of public funds and the decision-making process during the previous administration's tenure.
"This isn't just about abandoned buildings," stated Mayor Aristotle Aguirre on his town program, 'Aangat Aasenso Morning Update with Mayor Kuya Aris.' "This is about ensuring that the voices of Mulanay's residents are heard and respected. Families are struggling, and that money could have been used for schools, healthcare, and vital services."
Adding to the complexity of the situation are allegations of impropriety in the bidding process, with questions surrounding the contractor's knowledge of the existing municipal hall project. Concerns have also been raised about the qualifications of the construction engineer, potentially impacting the safety and structural integrity of the buildings.
Despite these challenges, the people of Mulanay are not backing down. They are actively participating in the process, demanding answers and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the construction of both buildings.
"The community's determination to uncover the truth is inspiring," Mayor Aguirre commented. "Their active involvement sends a clear message that transparency and accountability are non-negotiable."
A Commission on Audit (COA) report has flagged ₱8.1 million in questionable expenses connected to the hilltop project, further fueling the community's demand for answers. A case alleging misuse of public funds and violation of procurement laws has been filed with the Ombudsman, and legal proceedings are underway.
To address the situation, Mayor Aguirre and the residents of Mulanay are working together. A special investigative committee will thoroughly examine the construction of both buildings, including the bidding process and the engineer's qualifications.
Supreme Court Clears Former Mayor in Separate Case
In a separate legal matter that further underscores the complexities of accountability in Mulanay, the Supreme Court (SC) recently dismissed graft charges filed against former Mayor Joselito Ojeda and his wife, Dulce. These charges, stemming from a 2015 complaint filed by Crispin Bariata, were related to alleged discrepancies in their statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) from 2010 to 2013. Bariata questioned the Ojedas' ownership of parcels of land in Quezon province and Metro Manila, financial shares in two companies, and their frequent trips abroad, which he deemed inconsistent with the mayor's monthly salary of ₱50,000.
Ojeda maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, explaining that he and his wife had divested their company shares in 2006 and that their travels were funded by his wife's relatives in the United States. He acknowledged that some land parcels were still registered under his name but clarified that these properties had been subject to a levy on execution since 2005, effectively transferring ownership.
The Ombudsman initially dismissed the charges, a decision that Bariata challenged by appealing to the Supreme Court in 2017. Ultimately, the SC upheld the Ombudsman's ruling, stating that the non-declaration of certain properties was not done with "malicious or deliberate intent to conceal the truth." This long legal battle, culminating in the SC's decision, highlights the intricacies of investigating and adjudicating allegations of corruption.
While the Supreme Court's decision in the Ojeda case may raise concerns about the complexities of proving corruption, the residents of Mulanay remain undeterred in their pursuit of justice in the municipal hall project. They have organized protests, circulated petitions, and formed a citizen's watchdog group to monitor the investigation, sending a clear message that they will not tolerate the misuse of public funds.
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